Charles Messina Poet Narrative

Notes About The Poem

This is the last time I'll show up to a wake early. (lol)

The Register Book

When I attend a wake I always try to arrive a short time after the service starts, this way it gives some of my friends and relatives some time to get there and I can share my grief and sorrows with them.

This particular time I had to make it there quickly and get in and get out as soon as possible because I had to get home to prepare for a special guest that was coming to my house.

I had scheduled this date weeks before the death of the person who had died and I just couldn't reschedule it because my guest had a full list of places he had to go and get to, he was only in my area for that evening.

So that being said, I was actually the first person to sign the register book at the service, that has never happened to me before. As the services went on people started showing up out of the woodworks.

The person who had lost his life was well known in my area and knew everyone that I knew so as guests started showing up I was spending some time with them grieving and sharing memories together.

As time went on people that I haven't seen for years were showing up. My first friend in pre-school, my teacher, the first girl I kissed way back in grammar school. Aunts , uncles, and heck, even my ageless grandparents showed up.

Suddenly, I realized that I got so involved with meeting everyone again, that I completely forgot that I had to get home and prepare for my special guest.

I saw everyone that attended the service and found myself there all alone looking down at the closed coffin.

Then, out of nowhere, the guest that I had to get home to prepare for, walked through the double doors, stood beside me, and said "no worries son, are you ready for your wings now"

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Lawrence Sharp September 18, 2018 at 1:19 AM In personal terms, I guess this is at least partially inspired by your own recent losses ? In writing terms, this is masterfully crafted. Excellent write, Charles, fave. Peace and rest. Charles Messina September 18, 2018 at 9:13 AM Yes indeed, Lawrence. Thank you for reading and making this a fave. Much appreciated my friend! Peace and rest :)

Nette Onclaud September 16, 2018 at 12:55 PM wow, that was one great surprise, charles... good one!..huggs Charles Messina September 18, 2018 at 9:14 AM Thank you, Nette. Glad you enjoyed it. Huggs

Tom Cunningham September 15, 2018 at 2:41 PM Loved it Charlie, wasn't expecting that twist at the end. Tom Charles Messina September 18, 2018 at 9:14 AM Thank you, Tom.

Caren Krutsinger September 15, 2018 at 1:18 PM I loved that ending! Wow! Swept me off my feet. Charles Messina September 18, 2018 at 9:15 AM Thank you, Caren. Glad you enjoyed it.

Line Gauthier September 15, 2018 at 8:20 AM Well, I did not see that coming. An awesome poem, Charles. Great poem. Charles Messina September 18, 2018 at 9:16 AM Thank you so much, Line.

Brandy Nicole September 15, 2018 at 7:49 AM In the middle of your story, I realized what you were speaking of- your death. Many years ago, I wrote the same thing. It's called "The Last Breath" I am not sure about posting, maybe one day. Death is something we are will face, being prepared is best. ~ Brandy Charles Messina September 18, 2018 at 9:20 AM Thank you for reading this, Brandy. I would love to read your version. Yes we will all face death soon or later, I guess being prepared is best. At least we will get to say good-bye to our loved ones. So yes, you are right about that. hugs..Charlie